Description

If you’re craving a healthy and flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up, this Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce is the answer. Tender, flaky salmon is wrapped in foil with crisp asparagus, then smothered in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a foolproof recipe that delivers gourmet results with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon and Asparagus:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
1 bunch thin asparagus, trimmed
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut four large sheets of foil (about 12×16 inches each) and place them on a clean surface.

Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard (if using), oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Set aside for assembly.

Step 3: Assemble the Foil Packets

Divide the trimmed asparagus evenly among the four foil sheets, placing them in the center.
Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place one salmon fillet on top of each asparagus bed.
Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over each piece of salmon.
Top each fillet with 2–3 thin lemon slices.
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 4: Seal and Bake

Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to create a packet, sealing tightly so steam stays inside.
Place the packets on a baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness.
For a crisp top, carefully open the packets and broil for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Carefully open the foil packets—watch out for hot steam.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the salmon and asparagus.
Serve directly from the foil or transfer to plates with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Choose Fresh Salmon – Look for firm, bright-colored fillets with no strong odor.
Thin Asparagus Is Best – It cooks at the same rate as the salmon.
Don’t Overcook – Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
Add Broil Time – For slightly crispy edges, broil for a few minutes at the end.
Double the Sauce – If you love sauce, make extra and drizzle it over rice or quinoa.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Cuisine: American